Cleaning implement

ABSTRACT

A cleaning implement formed from a body and a handle attachment base provided on the body for removable attachment of a handle to the body. The body has a gripping portion on the body. The gripping portion is ergonomically shaped to be gripped by a user&#39;s hand. The cleaning implement is usable both with a handle adapted for attachment to the handle attachment base and without a handle by gripping of the gripping portion by a user. The cleaning implement may be adapted for use with different handles.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed generally to cleaning devices, and moreparticularly to cleaning devices for cleaning surfaces.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In general, cleaning devices such as brush heads are used together withcylindrical handles in broom configurations. Typically, the cleaningdevices have bristles extending perpendicularly from a brush block towhich the handle is attached. The handle is attachable to a handleattachment fastener that is typically affixed to or is part of the brushblock. The handle is positioned to be held comfortably by a user in astanding position while the bristles are positioned perpendicular to thesurface being swept. The handle may be removably attachable to a brushhead enabling different length handles to be used, for easier storage,and to allow replacement of a brush head once the bristles become worn.Known brush heads of this type are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,523,212to Cesak et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,499,176 to Hammond, U.S. Pat. No.6,349,444 to Sander and U.S. Pat. No. 3,891,339 to Jeffers.

The known brush heads designed for use in a long handled broom aretypically difficult for a user to use without an attached handle, as ahandheld brush. The handle attachment fastener typically takes up muchof the upper surface of the brush head, or the brush head has sharpedges that are uncomfortable for a user to grip.

Such prior art brush heads are also difficult to use with a short handlefor use close to the user's arm because a short handle is typicallygripped by a user in a position parallel to the surface to be scrubbed.Thus, when a brush head designed for use in a standing position isattached to a short handle, a user must position their wrist at about a45 degree angle to the surface to be swept in order that the bristlesremain perpendicular to the surface to be scrubbed. Such a position isuncomfortable to the user, and not ergonomical.

Thus, there exists needs for a cleaning implement that may be usedinterchangeably by a user with a long handle as a broom, a mop, apolisher or other cleaning implement; a cleaning implement that isinterchangeable with an extendible handle; a cleaning implement that isinterchangeable with a short handle; and a cleaning implement usable asa handheld brush or cleaning implement to provide flexibility of use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to a cleaning implement usable to scrub orbrush surfaces. The cleaning implement includes a body including aregion adapted to receive a cleaning material. A handle attachment baseis provided on the body allowing removable attachment of a handle to thebody, and defining a handle axis. A gripping portion is also provided onthe body, the gripping portion being ergonomically shaped to be grippedby a user's hand. The cleaning implement is usable both with a handleadapted for attachment to the handle attachment base and without ahandle by gripping of the gripping portion by a user.

The cleaning material may be, but is not limited to, bristles, a sponge,a scrubbing pad, a buffing pad, a polishing pad, a cleaning cloth, orother appropriate material.

The cleaning implement may have a bi-level configuration including firstand second regions adapted to hold cleaning materials enabling thecleaning implement to be used at different angles. More specifically,the cleaning implement may include a first region adapted to receive acleaning material and a second region adapted to receive a cleaningmaterial, wherein the first region adapted to receive a cleaningmaterial is positioned between about 30 degrees and about 60 degreesrelative to the handle axis. The first region may be adapted to receivea cleaning material is positioned about 45 degrees relative to thehandle axis. The second region may be adapted to receive a cleaningmaterial is positioned generally parallel to the handle axis. Thisconfiguration enables the cleaning implement to be used to clean asurface using a handle at an angle of about 45 degrees relative to asurface to be cleaned or generally parallel to a surface to be cleanedwithout making any adjustments to the cleaning implement, in addition tobeing able to be used while being gripped by a user.

The cleaning implement may also include numerous features aiding the useof the cleaning implement as a handheld scrubber. The gripping portionmay be formed from a first landing adapted to receive a right hand of auser and a second landing adapted to receive a left hand of a user. Thefirst and second landings may be separated by the handle attachmentbase. The cleaning implement may also include a digit receiving area.The digit receiving area may include an aperture in the body, which mayfor example be positioned underneath the handle attachment base, forreceiving a thumb. The digit receiving area may alternatively or inaddition be a depression in a surface of the body, such as proximate tothe handle attachment base, for receiving a thumb. The digit receivingarea may be an indentation in a front surface of the body for receivingone or more fingers of a user.

In at least one embodiment, the cleaning implement may be included as acomponent of a kit. The kit may include the cleaning implement, and adetachable handle adapted for attachment to the cleaning implement. Inat least one arrangement, the kit may include different first and seconddetachable handles, one of the handles being longer and usable from astanding position, and another of the handles being shorter and usablefrom a kneeling or other lower position.

The kit may include an additional implement, which may be anothercleaning implement or a tool. The second implement may be selected froma brush, a mop, a squeegee, a polisher, a boat hook, a gaff hook, anoar, and a net. This arrangement enables a small number of parts to beused interchangeably to give a range of usable implements, which isparticularly useful where storage space is at a premium, such as on aboat, recreational vehicle, etc.

An advantage of this invention is that the cleaning implement may beused both with a handle and without. In addition, another advantage ofthis invention is that the bi-level configuration enables the cleaningimplement to be used at two distinctly different angles with an attachedhandle. In particular, the bi-level configuration enables the cleaningimplement to be used effectively with a short handle close to a user'sbody as well as with long handles for use in a standing position.

A further advantage of this invention is that the bumper provides aprotective barrier on the rigid body forming the cleaning implement. Thebumper allows the cleaning implement to be used on objects susceptibleto damage without risk of damaging the objects.

These and other embodiments will be described in more detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

There are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presentlypreferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is notlimited to the precise arrangements shown.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaning implement according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a right side view of the embodiment of the invention shown inFIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG.1.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the inventionshown in FIG. 1 taken at line 5-5 in FIG. 4 without showing a cleaningmaterial attached.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the inventionshown in FIG. 1 taken at line 6-6 in FIG. 2 without showing a cleaningmaterial attached.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a cleaning implement having analternative cleaning material attached.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

This invention, as shown in FIGS. 1-7, is directed to a cleaningimplement 10, which may be useful in cleaning yachts, boats,recreational vehicles, automobiles, motorcycles, mobile homes, cabins,and any other use where storage space for a large number of cleaningimplements may be at a premium. The cleaning implement 10 may be adaptedto be releaseably coupled to one or more handles for facilitating use ofthe cleaning implement 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the cleaning implement 10may be formed from a body 12 formed from a first region 14 for receivinga cleaning material 16 and a second region 18 for receiving a cleaningmaterial 20. The first region 14 may be positioned at an angle α ofbetween about 30 degrees and about 60 degrees relative to the secondregion 18. In at least one embodiment, the first region is positioned atan angle α of about 45 degrees relative to the second region 18. Thefirst region 14 is offset relative to the second region 18 to enable thecleaning implement 10 to be used in different positions. For instance,the first region 14 may be used while a handle 24 is at about 45 degreesrelative to a surface 26 to be cleaned, and the second region 18 may beused while the handle 24 is generally parallel to the surface 26 to becleaned. Different handles 24 having differing lengths may be employed.For example, a relatively long handle 24 may be used at about 45 degreesto the surface to be cleaned, enabling a user to stand upright whilecleaning. A relatively short handle 24 may be used parallel to thesurface to be cleaned, enabling a user to scrub or otherwise clean asurface from a kneeling or other suitable position.

The cleaning material 16 and 20 shown in FIGS. 1-4 and 7 may be formedfrom a plurality of bristles forming a brush, a sponge, a scrubbing pad,a buffing pad, a polishing pad, a cleaning cloth, a squeegee, otherappropriate materials, or any combination thereof. The cleaningmaterials 16 and 20 may or may not be formed from the same materials orcombinations of materials. The body 12 may be formed from a rigidplastic, wood, or other appropriate material. In at least oneembodiment, the body 12 may be about eight inches in length, 5 inches inwidth and about 2 inches in depth and have a sufficient mass capable ofenabling the cleaning implement to be used as a scrubber.

The body 12 may also include a handle attachment base 22 for receiving ahandle 24. The handle attachment base 22 may be attached to the body 12in a generally central location, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 6, and 7.The handle attachment base 22 may be attached to the body 12 so that alongitudinal axis 28 of the handle attachment base 22 is generallyparallel with the surface forming the second region 18. In thisposition, the longitudinal axis 28 of the handle attachment base 22 maybe between about 30 degrees and about 60 degrees relative to the firstregion 14, depending on the angle α between the first and second regions14, 18.

In at least one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the handle attachmentbase 22 may include at least one cavity 30 sized to receive a variety ofhandles 24. The handle attachment base 22 may also include one or moreretention mechanisms 32 for preventing the handle 24 from beinginadvertently released from the handle attachment base 22. The retentionmechanism 32 may be formed from a spring loaded retention pin 34. Asshown in FIG. 5, the retention pin 34 is coupled to a spring 35. Thespring 35 may be sized to fit into a cavity 37 in an inner tube 39.

An inner surface 41 of the cavity 30 may be sized to provide a tight fitbetween a handle attachment base 22 and a handle 24. In at least oneembodiment, an inner diameter of the cavity 30 may be slightly largerthan an outer diameter of a handle 24, thereby providing a tight fit.Alternatively, the inner diameter of the cavity 30 may be less than orequal to an outer diameter of the handle, thereby creating aninterference fit.

In at least one embodiment, the inner surface of the cavity 30 mayinclude a plurality of ribs 43, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. In at leastone embodiment, the ribs 43 may account for between about 15 percent andabout 35 percent of the surface area of the cavity 30 and may be sizedto provide an interference fit. This configuration enables the handle 24to be releasably and tightly coupled to the handle attachment base 22with no side-to-side play in the connection.

The retention pin 34 may be configured to be depressed to allow a handle24 to be inserted into the cavity 30. The retention pin 34 may return toits original position and retain a handle 24 in position in the cavity30 by entering an aperture or depression 36 in the handle 24. The ribs43 provide a tight fit yet enable the handle 24 to be rotated while thehandle 24 is inserted into the handle attachment base 22 to allow theretention pin 34 to enter into the aperture 36 in the handle 24.

The cleaning implement 10 may also include a gripping portion 38, asshown in FIGS. 1, 6, and 7, for providing a location at which a user maygrip the cleaning implement 10 while using the, cleaning implement 10 asa handheld scrubber. The gripping portion is ergonomically shaped to fita user's hand. The term gripping portion is intended to cover both agripping pad attached to the body, and also an arrangement where thegripping portion is integral with the body and is formed of a shapedarea of the body. The gripping portion 38 may be formed out of materialsproviding a relatively soft comfortable surface upon which a user mayapply force to the cleaning implement 10 while using the cleaningimplement 10 as a handheld scrubber. In at least one embodiment, thegripping portion 38 may be formed from a resilient plastic or otherappropriate material. The gripping portion 38 may be formed fromnumerous configurations. In at least one embodiment, the grippingportion 38 may be formed from a first landing 40 and a second landing42. The first landing 40 may be adapted to receive a right hand of auser, and the second landing 42 may be adapted to receive a left hand ofa user, or vice versa. The first and second landings 40, 42 may beseparated by the handle attachment base 22, which may result in thegripping portion 38 having an hourglass shape, as shown in FIG. 2. Theshapes of each of the first and second landings 40, 42 are ergonomicallyconfigured.

The cleaning implement 10 may also include at least one thumb receivingarea 44 for providing a user with a comfortable location for a user'sthumbs when the cleaning implement is used as a handheld device. In atleast one embodiment, the at least one thumb receiving area 44 may be anaperture 46 in the body 12, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5. The aperture 46may be positioned at a transition between the first region 14 and thesecond region 18. The thumb receiving area 44 may also be formed from adepression 48 in a top surface 50 of the cleaning implement 10, whichmay provide an appropriate resting position for the base of a user'sthumb. The depression 48 may be sized and configured to receive one ormore thumbs of a user so that a user can comfortably hold the cleaningimplement in either hand.

The cleaning implement 10 may also include a bumper 52 around at least aportion of the perimeter 54 of the body 12, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 5,and 7. The bumper 52 may be formed from numerous materials, such as, butnot limited to, a resilient plastic or other appropriate materials. Inat least one embodiment, the bumper 52 may be formed from the sameresilient plastic as the gripping portion 38. The bumper 52 may attachto a protrusion 56 extending from an edge 58 of the body 12. In at leastone embodiment, the bumper 52 may be integrally formed with the grippingportion 38.

As shown in FIG. 2, the cleaning implement 10 may include one or moreindentations 60 on a front surface 62 of the body 12. The indentation 60is configured to receive one or more fingers of a user. The indentation60 may be formed in a portion of the body 12 and an area of the grippingportion 38. The cleaning implement 10 may also include a non-slipcoating for increasing a user's ability to grip the body 12 of thecleaning implement 10. The coating may be formed from any appropriatematerial, including, but not limited to, thermoplastic rubber, or amaterial having a relatively low durometer reading. In alternativeembodiments, the cleaning implement 10 may not include a coating.

The cleaning implement 10 may be used to clean surfaces on a variety ofdifferent objects. Handles 24 of different sizes and configurations maybe coupled to the cleaning implement 10 depending on the application. Inat least one embodiment, a handle having an adjustable length may beused. The cleaning implement 10 may be used by controlling the cleaningimplement 10 with a handle 24 or by grasping the cleaning implement 10.The first and second regions 14, 18 enable the cleaning implement to beused with the handle 24 at an angle of about 45 degrees relative to asurface to be cleaned or generally parallel with a surface to becleaned. This is extremely helpful when using the cleaning implement 10to clean a surface 26 close to a user's body or underneath a shelf orother object preventing the handle 24 from being used while in anupright manner.

The cleaning implement 10 may be used in a handheld manner by grabbingthe gripping portion 38. The palms of a user's hands fit comfortably onthe first and second landings 40, 42 of the gripping portion, and thethumbs of the user's hands may rest in the thumb receiving area 44. Morespecifically, a user's thumbs may be positioned in the aperture 46and/or the depression 48. One or more of the user's fingers may bepositioned in the indentation 60 on the front surface 62 of the body 12.

The cleaning implement 10 may also be included with another implement asa part of a kit. The additional implement may be, but is not limited to,a brush, a mop, a squeegee, a boat hook, a gaff hook, an oar, apolisher, a net, or other such device. In addition, the kit may includea handle 24 for attachment to one of a plurality of implements 10. In atleast one arrangement, different handles 24 of differing lengths may beprovided in the kit.

The cleaning implement 10 may be formed by forming the body 12 of arigid material, forming a gripping portion of a resilient plasticadapted to conform to the contours of a human hand, attaching a cleaningmaterial to the first region for receiving a cleaning material, andattaching a cleaning material to the second region for receiving acleaning material. The cleaning implement 10 may be formed to includeadditional features, as previously described.

It should be understood that the examples and embodiments describedherein are for illustrative purposes only and that various modificationsor changes in light thereof will be obvious to persons skilled in theart, and that such modifications or changes are to be included withinthe spirit and purview of this application. Moreover, the invention cantake other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essentialattributes thereof.

1. A cleaning implement comprising: a body including a region adapted toreceive a cleaning material; a handle attachment base on the bodyallowing removable attachment of a handle to the body, and defining ahandle axis; and a gripping portion on the body, wherein the grippingportion is ergonomically shaped to be gripped by a user's hand, wherebythe cleaning implement is usable both with a handle adapted forattachment to the handle attachment base and without a handle bygripping of the gripping portion by a user.
 2. The cleaning implement ofclaim 1, wherein the cleaning material is selected from the groupconsisting of a plurality of bristles forming a brush, a sponge, ascrubbing pad, a buffing pad, a polishing pad, and a cleaning cloth. 3.The cleaning implement of claim 1, wherein the region adapted to receivea cleaning material is formed from a first region adapted to receive acleaning material and a second region adapted to receive a cleaningmaterial, wherein the first region adapted to receive a cleaningmaterial is positioned between about 30 degrees and about 60 degreesrelative to the handle axis.
 4. The cleaning implement of claim 3,wherein the first region adapted to receive a cleaning material ispositioned about 45 degrees relative to the handle axis.
 5. The cleaningimplement of claim 3, wherein the second region adapted to receive acleaning material is positioned generally parallel to the handle axis.6. The cleaning implement of claim 1, wherein the gripping portioncomprises a first landing for receiving a right hand of a user and asecond landing for receiving a left hand of a user.
 7. The cleaningimplement of claim 6, wherein the first landing and the second landingare separated by the handle attachment base.
 8. The cleaning implementof claim 1, wherein the body further comprises at least one digitreceiving area.
 9. The cleaning implement of claim 8, wherein the atleast one digit receiving area comprises an aperture in the body. 10.The cleaning implement of claim 8, wherein the at least one digitreceiving area comprises a depression in a surface of the cleaningimplement.
 11. The cleaning implement of claim 8, wherein the digitreceiving area comprises at least one indentation in a front surface ofthe body.
 12. The cleaning implement of claim 1, wherein the grippingportion is comprised of a resilient plastic.
 13. The cleaning implementof claim 1, wherein the gripping portion has an hourglass shape whenviewed from above for ergonomic considerations.
 14. The cleaningimplement of claim 1, further comprising at least one non-slip coatingon the gripping portion.
 15. The cleaning implement of claim 1, furthercomprising at least one bumper around at least a portion of theperimeter of the body.
 16. The cleaning implement of claim 15, whereinthe at least one bumper is comprised of a resilient plastic.
 17. Thecleaning implement of claim 1, wherein the body and the handleattachment base are formed from a rigid plastic.
 18. The cleaningimplement of claim 1, wherein the handle attachment base furthercomprises a plurality of ribs on an inner surface of a cavity in thehandle base attachment, wherein the ribs are sized to provide aninterference fit with a handle.
 19. The cleaning implement of claim 18,wherein the handle attachment base further comprises a retentionmechanism to retain a handle in the handle attachment base.
 20. Acleaning implement kit, comprising: a cleaning implement, comprising; abody including a region adapted to receive a cleaning material; a handleattachment base on the body allowing removable attachment of a handle tothe body, and defining a handle axis; and a gripping portion on thebody, wherein the gripping portion is ergonomically shaped to be grippedby a user's hand, whereby the cleaning implement is usable both with ahandle adapted for attachment to the handle attachment base and withouta handle by gripping of the gripping portion by a user; and a removablehandle adapted for attachment to said handle attachment base.
 21. Thecleaning implement kit of claim 20, wherein the cleaning material isselected from the group consisting of a plurality of bristles forming abrush, a sponge, a scrubbing pad, a buffing pad, a polishing pad, acleaning cloth, and a squeegee.
 22. The cleaning implement kit of claim20, wherein the region adapted to receive a cleaning material is formedfrom a first region adapted to receive a cleaning material and a secondadapted to receive a cleaning material, wherein the firs region adaptedto receive a cleaning material is positioned between about 30 degreesand about 60 degrees relative to the handle axis.
 23. The cleaningimplement kit of claim 22, wherein the first region adapted to receive acleaning material is positioned about 45 degrees relative to the handleaxis.
 24. The cleaning implement kit of claim 22, wherein the secondregion adapted to receive a cleaning material is positioned generallyparallel to the handle axis.
 25. The cleaning implement kit of claim 20,wherein the removable handle has an adjustable length.
 26. The cleaningimplement kit of claim 20, comprising at least two removable handles,each said removable handle having a different length.
 27. The cleaningimplement kit of claim 20, wherein the gripping portion comprises afirst landing for receiving a right hand of a user and a second landingfor receiving a left hand of a user.
 28. The cleaning implement kit ofclaim 27, wherein the first landing and the second landing are separatedby the handle attachment base.
 29. The cleaning implement kit of claim20, wherein the body further comprises at least one digit receivingarea.
 30. The cleaning implement kit of claim 29, wherein the at leastone digit receiving area comprises an aperture in the body.
 31. Thecleaning implement kit of claim 29, wherein the at least one digitreceiving area comprises a depression in a top surface of the cleaningimplement.
 32. The cleaning implement kit of claim 20, wherein thegripping portion is comprised of a resilient plastic.
 33. The cleaningimplement kit of claim 20, wherein the gripping portion has an hourglassshape when viewed from above for ergonomic considerations.
 34. Thecleaning implement kit of claim 20, further comprising at least onenon-slip coating on the gripping portion.
 35. The cleaning implement kitof claim 20, further comprising at least one bumper around at least aportion of the perimeter of the body.
 36. The cleaning implement kit ofclaim 35, wherein the at least one bumper is comprised of a resilientplastic.
 37. The cleaning implement kit of claim 20, wherein the bodyand the handle attachment base are formed from a rigid plastic.
 38. Thecleaning implement kit of claim 20, wherein the handle attachment basefurther comprises a plurality of ribs on an inner surface of a cavity inthe handle base attachment, wherein the ribs are sized to provide aninterference fit with the handle.
 39. The cleaning implement kit ofclaim 38, wherein the handle attachment base further comprises aretention mechanism to retain the handle in the handle attachment base.40. The cleaning implement kit of claim 20, further comprising a secondimplement comprising a handle attachment base matching the handleattachment base on the first implement, allowing removable attachment ofthe handle to the second implement.
 41. The cleaning implement kit ofclaim 40, wherein the second implement is selected from the groupconsisting of a brush, a mop, a squeegee, a polisher, a boat hook, agaff hook, an oar, and a net.